Turkey in 8 Days Itinerary

Turkey in 8 Days – Travel Guide

Turkey, standing at the crossroad of Asia and Europe, has seen the rise and fall of several glorious civilizations. In the medieval times, it became one of the most powerful empires during the Ottoman reign and left a lasting legacy as a major centre of culture, learning, architecture and several refinements in the region’s unique culture. Travelling in the country introduces one to its unique culture and customs which dominated the Orientalism of the 18th and 19th centuries. Travelling in Turkey for 8 amazing days guarantees a stunning experience for your lifetime.

Check out a plan and itinerary for Turkey in 8 Days!

Day 1: Things to do in Istanbul

Start your Turkey sojourn in Istanbul, the classic city which lies across the two continents of Asia and Europe. Istanbul played a key role in the history of the region and used to be a major centre for trade, learning and culture during the Ottoman Empire. Start exploring the city and visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites and the historic areas of the city. See the iconic Sultan Ahmet Mosque popularly known as the Blue Mosque. Also, check out the world famous Hagia Sophia, a Christian church which was converted into Islamic mosque which eventually became a museum. Next, visit the Topkapi Palace which used to be the royal residence of Ottoman sultans and contains some of the most important relics of Islamic world. Istanbul is certainly the best place to start your amazing tour of Turkey in 8 days.

Next day, visit the Dolmabahce Palace, a stunning and elegant imperial palace which served as the official residence of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the first president of Republic of Turkey. Visit the Basilica Cistern, a Byzantine era engineering project and in the evening, sail in the scenic Bosporus Strait while watching the beautiful sunset. Make it a point to visit the historic neighbourhood of Galata to see the Genoese Tower of Galata and the elegant Galata Bridge.

Day 3: What to do in Izmir in 1 day?

On your next day, take a flight to Izmir, the third largest city of Turkey located on the Central Aegean coast of Turkey. In Izmir, see the Konak Square, the main public square of the city, famous for its clock tower, Konak Yali Mosque and Kemeralti Bazaar. In the evening, enjoy a stroll on the beaches of the Aegean Sea. If time permits, see the Kadifekale, an old castle which dates back to the Roman times.

Day 4: Ephesus 1 day tour Itinerary

Next day, enjoy a drive of one and half hour to Ephesus, a city which has well-preserved its ancient Roman ruins. Ephesus is a part of UNESCO World Heritage site and was discovered by a team of British, German and Austrian archaeologists. You will see the sites of Temple of Artemis, Library of Celcus, Temple of Hadrian and many more. Ephesus offers an interesting insight into the bygone days of once glorious civilizations. Ephesus simply has to feature in any itinerary for Turkey in 8 days.

Day 5: Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour

What to see in Pamukkale!

How to go to Pamukkale!

Getting to Pamukkale: Drive to Pamukkale will take close to 2 hour and 50 minutes depending upon the traffic.

Turkey Hot springs in Pamukkale

What to do in Pamukkale: Pamukkale is among the country’s first tourism sites and means “cotton castle” in English. It’s renowned for its famed limestone formation of natural pools and hot springs.

Hierapolis Ancient City

Check out Hierapolis, an ancient Greek and Byzantine city which is a UNESCO designated World Heritage site. See the Temple of Apollo, Nymphaeum, Necropolis and several other sights.

Day 6: Cappadocia hot air balloon

Cappadocia must feature on your Turkish itinerary. This amazing land seems otherworldly with mysterious rock-cut dwellings and underground cities and strange rock formations. During the summer, enjoy an amazing hot air balloon ride over the strange landscape of Cappadocia and do visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Goreme, to see the underground rock hewn city. Cappadocia is such an timeless destination that it has to feature in your Turkey in 8 days itinerary.

Planning to come from Istanbul to Cappadocia? Take a direct flight!

Day 7: Konya day trip

Thereafter, you can visit Konya, the spiritual hub of Turkey and the birthplace of Mevlevi Order founded by renowned theologian and thinker Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Balkhi-Rumi. Konya is also the birthplace of Whirling Dervishes movement and culture. In Konya, you should visit the mausoleum of Rumi, Alaadin Mosque, Mevlana Museum and watch the Whirling Dervishes ceremony, which believes in unity of soul with the supreme creator and encompasses elements of Turkish traditional music and deep Islamic philosophy.

Day 8: Things to do in Ankara

The modern capital of Republic of Turkey, Ankara, should also be on your list. Ankara is a vibrant and multi-cultural and energetic city. In Ankara, you must visit the Ankara Castle, Museum of Anatolian Civilization and War of Independence Museum. The Turkish capital is the perfect place to end your tour of Turkey in 8 days.